The influence of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is rapidly expanding.  New information and communication technologies, services and networks are transforming the way people live, work and learn.

ICT is concerned with how technology can be used to manage and process information.  At RBAI, computers and computer software are used by our pupils to create, convert, access, store, organise, protect, present, communicate and transmit information in a variety of electronic forms.

Within the ICT Department  we provide our pupils with the technical knowledge, skills and understanding needed in a world increasingly dominated by the use of ICT systems.

STAFFING
Mr. R. Wilson -    Whole School ICT Coordinator
Mr. N. Carson -    Key Stage 3 ICT Coordinator
Mr. J. King -        Systems Administrator and ICT Support
Mr. D. Cochrane - ICT Support & Intranet maintenance (UUJ Placement Student)

In addition, there are a number of staff (from other departments) who assist in the teaching of Key Stage 3 ICT and the sixth form General Studies programmes.

The ICT Department also provides regular feedback, advice and support to the school’s Board of Governors via the Governors’ ICT Sub-Committee.  The Principal, Senior Vice-Principal, Mr. Wilson and Mr. King are active members of the ICT Sub-Committee.

A2 ICT students using room CP2 to work on their coursework

The school is extremely well equipped in terms of ICT facilities and resources.  The school is part of C2K managed service that is provided to all schools in Northern Ireland.  The refurbished Christchurch building houses the ICT Department on the ground floor.  The equipment and facilities at RBAI is as follows:

•    3 Dedicated C2K equipped computer suites (rooms CP1, CP2 and C5)
•    1 Apple Macintosh suite for Media Studies (room CP3)
•    1 Audio Visual suite for Lectures
•    1 Staffroom ICT facility
•    2 Mobile Laptop Notebuses (Library and Design & Technology)
•    64    Promethean Interactive Whiteboards  (installed in most classrooms throughout the school).
•    92 C2K Dell Laptop Computers
•    231 RM Ascent C2K  Desktop Computers
•    1 Portable Audio Visual package
•    2 A3 Colour Scanners
•    3 A4 Colour Laser Printers
•    2 A3 Colour Laser Printers
•    5 Wireless Network access areas
•    1 Digital Semi Compact SLR camera
•    Pupils’ Learning Resource area on the school network
•    Staff Resource area on the school network
•    Internal school intranet for daily school announcements and events.

Open Access times are also provided for pupils to use the ICT facilities on most days of the week at lunch times and immediately after school.

All pupils have the opportunity to engage in ICT throughout their academic  studies at RBAI.  ICT is taught from year 8 through to year 14

The Revised Curriculum indicates that learning at KS3 should be supported with clear “Learning Intentions and Success Criteria.  This will enable pupils to gain a better understanding of what they are learning (W.A.L.T.) and how this can be achieved (W.I.L.F.)

To give pupils the skills to become safe and proficient users of ICT so they can use it to their benefit in all Areas of Learning (AOLs) across the curriculum.

To give pupils relevant experience in ICT that will enable them to make an informed decision at the end of Year 10 as to whether a GCSE course in this subject would be of interest.

Success Criteria for KS3 ICT

To successfully complete all activities throughout Years 8, 9 & 10.

The GCSE ICT specification is designed to promote continuity, coherence and progression within the study of Information and Communication Technology.  The specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed within the Key Stage 3 Northern Ireland Curriculum.

It is presented in a framework using the various aspects which comprise ICT competence. 

These are:
•    knowledge, understanding and skills in communicating, handling
•    information and modelling (C1);
•    understanding of ICT in everyday life (C2);
•    implications of ICT for individuals, organisations and society (C3).

The afore mentioned areas contribute towards the two terminal theory examination papers which equate to 40% of the final grade.

Coursework attributes to 60% of the overall weighting of marks awarded within this subject.

A1    Multimedia Presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint)
A2    Booklet or Report  (Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher)
A3     Website Design  (Microsoft FrontPage)
B1    Internet  Search  (Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook )
B2    Database Assignment  (Microsoft Access)
B3    Spreadsheet Assignment (Microsoft Excel)

Pupils can normally choose their own topic content for coursework modules A1 – A3.  The content of assignments B2 and B3 is directed by CCEA.

This course uses a task driven approach to problem solving and decision making that relies on effective use of ICT systems; it extends the pupils’ conceptions of the effects and limitations of ICT and understanding of new opportunities it provides within organisation and societies.

Course Content
Module 1    Fundamentals and components of ICT  (assessed through two final exam papers – 50%)
Module 2    Coursework
Coursework 1    Website Design or Multimedia Project (25%)
Coursework 2    Database Design or Spreadsheet Project (25%)

The GCE Advanced Level (A2) builds upon the foundations of knowledge, understanding and skills developed at AS level.  The content, at A2, is delivered between modules 3 and4.

Course Content
Module 3    Information Systems (assessed through two final exam papers - 50%)
Module 4    Coursework  (50%)
        Design and implementation of a full software solution to a real problem.